german sheperd pup

Question
hi,
a 16weeks old german shepherd , how do i get him to
come to me when out walking ?
he keeps doin his own thing..


Answer
Hi Gerard,

This is the age when they start to get more confident and want to go and explore.  Can't blame him!  

I would start with some basic training.  Here are the guidelines.

1. Never ever call your dog if you cannot control the result.

2. Never call your dog to you and punish him, any time he comes to you he is always a "really good dog"

3. So to control the result, we need a leash.  Walk with him, then suddenly back up and call him, PUPPY - COME!  When he gets to you, reward him with a food treat.   Work on this for a few days.  

4.  He is always on a leash, so you can control the result.  As he gets better, get a 30' piece of very light rope and put a snap on the end so you can attach it to him.  

5.  His play time, under control, is "GO PLAY" but use the light line
and let him drag it.  If he gets too far you can pick up the end or step on it, tell him to COME and reel him in.  Praise and treat.

Practise this 400 times a week - hahaha  and you will have a good recall in about 2 months.

Seriously, remember he is just a baby and there are a lot of distractions out there, so make it fun for him, be consistent, be patient and then you can have fun too.

Hope this helps...

Lori